Bits of Love, Lines of Code
Chapter 88 - 83 – “Two Discoveries”

Chapter 88: Chapter 83 – “Two Discoveries”

The morning light painted golden streaks across the wooden floor as Aoi stood frozen in the bathroom, holding the small pregnancy test in her trembling hands. Her breath caught as she stared at the result — two clear lines.

It was real.

Her periods had been delayed by more than a week. She hadn’t wanted to jump to conclusions, not after everything they’d been through. But now, as the realization hit her, her eyes widened with a strange mixture of joy, fear, and awe.

She heard footsteps outside. "Aoi? Everything okay?" Ren’s voice was soft, concerned.

She stepped out slowly, the test still clutched in her hand, her face slightly pale but glowing. "Ren..."

He looked at her, confused for a moment — and then his gaze fell to her hands.

Ren blinked. "Wait... is that—?"

Aoi nodded, unable to speak at first. "I... I think I’m pregnant."

For a moment, Ren could only stare. Then, all at once, he crossed the space between them and pulled her into a fierce, careful hug, his heart pounding like thunder.

"You’re really... we’re really..." he whispered, almost afraid to say it aloud.

Aoi laughed through her teary smile. "I wanted to be sure, so I tested. But we should still get a proper checkup."

He held her for a long while before whispering, "Let’s go. Now."

At the hospital, the air smelled of antiseptic and cold tiles. Aoi sat beside Ren in the waiting area, her hands gently wrapped around his. Neither said much, but the silence between them was filled with anticipation and shared nerves.

They were called in after a short wait. The doctor was kind and careful. After a few questions, an early ultrasound confirmed it — she was indeed pregnant.

"It’s still very early," the doctor said, smiling. "But everything looks healthy so far. Congratulations."

Aoi smiled at Ren, eyes misting over.

Ren squeezed her hand. "We’re going to be parents..."

As they stepped out of the room, still processing the news, they passed by the private ward section — and Aoi paused.

A nameplate outside one of the rooms made her stop cold.

Saki Himura.

Ren followed her gaze, his own expression tensing. "Saki...?"

They hadn’t heard anything since the day of her accident — just distant news from old classmates that she had been hospitalized. But here?

Aoi looked uneasy. "Should we... see her?"

Ren hesitated. "We can at least make sure she’s okay."

They knocked gently. No answer.

Inside, the lights were dimmed. Saki lay on the bed, eyes half-open, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her leg was in a cast, and a tray of untouched food rested beside her.

When she noticed them, her eyes widened in disbelief — then narrowed.

"You..." she whispered.

"Saki... we didn’t know you were here," Ren said cautiously.

A long silence hung between them before she muttered, "So you’re here for a checkup... or was it just to rub it in?"

Aoi’s eyes hardened. "We just found out I’m pregnant. We didn’t even know you were in this hospital."

For a moment, Saki said nothing.

Then, she gave a strange smile, eyes flickering between them. "A baby, huh...? Cute. Let’s see how long your fairytale lasts."

Aoi took Ren’s hand. "We’re not here to fight."

Ren looked into Saki’s eyes and said softly, "You need help, Saki. Real help."

But she just turned away, staring out the window.

They left the room quietly.

Back in the car, Aoi leaned against Ren, her hand over her belly.

"She’s not done with us," she whispered.

Ren started the car, determination setting into his jaw. "No. But I’ll protect you both — no matter what."